The Grand Central Market by Adele Yellin, Kevin West

The Grand Central Market Cookbook: Cuisine and Culture from Downtown Los Angeles

by Adele Yellin, Kevin West

   This is a unique cookbook capturing the life and flavours of Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles. Just as in the market itself, in this cookbook you will find flavours from Asia, the Middle East and classic America. There is something for everyone in this culturally diverse cookbook. With over 85 recipes, you will not be bored with the choices available in this book. It is full of interesting photos, making this book for than just a cookbook. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Founded in 1917, Grand Central Market is a legendary food hall in Downtown Los Angeles that brings together the many traditions and flavors of the city. Now, GCM's first cookbook puts the spotlight on unique recipes from its diverse vendors, bringing their authentic tastes to your home kitchen. From Horse Thief BBQ's Nashville-Style Hot Fried Chicken Sando to Madcapra's Sumac Beet Soda to Golden Road's Crunchy Avocado Tacos, here are over 85 distinctive recipes, plus spectacular photography that shows off the food, the people, and the daily bustle and buzz. Stories about the Market's vibrant history and interviews with its prominent customers and vendors dot the pages as well. Whether you've visited and want to make your favorite dishes at home, or are simply looking for a cookbook that provides a plethora of multi-national cuisine, The Grand Central Market Cookbook is sure to make your kitchen just a little bit cooler.

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn by Chitra Agrawal

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn

by Chitra Agrawal

From the acclaimed chef and owner of Brooklyn Delhi, a debut cookbook focused on the celebrated vegetarian fare of South India.

Another beautiful Indian cuisine cookbook now added to my family's collection of cookbooks! It is so hard for me to resist cookbooks which focus on Indian cooking. I find the flavors so unique and pleasing. As the name of this cookbook suggests, the recipes within are indeed vibrant. This particular Indian cookbook focuses on vegetarian recipes. Your experience in that realm might have been bland, but no longer! With the spices and techniques of the Indian culture, the simplest vegetarian dishes are taken up to an amazing level sure to please most people. As with most of the books from this publisher, the cookbook is full of beautiful photographs which make this book coffee-table worthy!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lifelong vegetarian and chef Chitra Agrawal takes you on an epicurean journey to her mother's hometown of Bangalore and back to Brooklyn, where she adapts her family's South Indian recipes for home cooks. This particular style of Indian home cooking, often called the -yoga diet, - is light and fresh, yet satisfying and rich in bold and complex flavors. Grains, legumes, fresh produce, coconut, and yogurt--along with herbs, citrus, chiles, and spices--form the cornerstone of this delectable cuisine, rooted in vegetarian customs and honed over centuries for optimum taste and nutrition.
From the classic savory crepe dosa, filled with lemony turmeric potatoes and cilantro coconut chutney, to new creations like coconut polenta topped with spring vegetables 'upma- and homemade yogurt, the recipes in Vibrant India are simple to prepare and a true celebration of color and flavor on a plate. Chitra weaves together the historical context behind the region's cuisine and how she brought some of these age-old traditions to life thousands of miles away in Brooklyn during the city's exciting food renaissance.
Relying on her experience as a culinary instructor, Chitra introduces the essential Indian cooking techniques, tips, and ingredients you'll need to prepare a full range of recipes from quick vegetable stir frys (corn, basil, and leeks flavored with butter, cumin, and black pepper), salads (citrus red cabbage and fennel slaw with black mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chile), yogurt raitas (shredded beets and coconut in yogurt), and chutneys and pickles (preserved Meyer lemon in chile brine) to hearty stews (aromatic black eyed peas, lentils, and greens), coconut curries (summer squash in an herby coconut yogurt sauce), and fragrant rice dishes (lime dill rice with pistachios). Rounding out the book is an array of addictive snacks (popcorn topped with curry leaf butter), creative desserts (banana, coconut, and cardamom ice cream), and refreshing drinks (chile watermelon juice with mint). Chitra provides numerous substitutions to accommodate produce seasonality, ingredient availability, and personal tastes. The majority of recipes are gluten-free and vegan or can be easily modified to adhere to those dietary restrictions.
Whether you are a vegetarian or just looking for ways to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into your repertoire, Vibrant India is a practical guide for bringing delicious Indian home cooking to your table on a regular basis.

Food52 Ice Cream and Friends: by Editors of Food52

Food52 Ice Cream and Friends: 60 Recipes and Riffs for Sorbets, Sandwiches, No-Churn Ice Creams, and More

by Editors of Food52, Amanda Hesser (Foreword), Merrill Stubbs (Foreword)

   The must-have ice cream book if you love ice cream, love friends, want to learn more about ice cream or expand your ice cream palate or want to widen your dessert horizons in general. Basically, this book will not disappoint! I am an avid ice cream maker (if that's a thing) and so I was extremely excited about this book. One main thing which pleased me about this cookbook is that it is not simply a repeat of basic ice cream recipes. It will accompany my original tried-and-true ice cream basics book beautifully. It is full of unusual recipes not found in typical ice cream how-to books. Not only unusual, there are also amazing and delicious-looking recipes such as smore's ice cream sandwiches, coffee frozen custard, cinnamon roll ice cream, avocado gelato, the richest chocolate treats I have ever seen....there is something for everyone and I am so excited about this book!

For those of you who are wanting more details, the book is organized into different sections: Chocolate, Vanilla & company; Nutty; Fruity; Herbs & Spices; Drink Riffs; and Savory. There are a decent amount of recipes per category.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

My review of cook/beauty book Eat Beautiful by Wendy Rowe

Eat Beautiful: Nourish your skin from the inside out by Wendy Rowe, Sienna Miller

   This a cookbook/beauty book from world renowned beauty and makeup expert Wendy Rowe. It is filled with delicious recipes which will help restore your hair, skin and nails. The antioxidants and vitamins from the natural ingredients in these recipes will make you glow! I loved the aspect this book takes- using cooking to fulfill ones beauty regime. The book also includes many beauty tips and natural homemade hair and skin treatments. I agree with most of the health advice presented in this book. However, I did not like the photos which are on the title page of each section. They are of beautiful, ''healthy'' (I doubt these models used the healthiest techniques before the photoshoots), glowing women who are unfortunately scantily clad. I didn't mind the photos in which the shoulders were shown, and obviously I don't mind legs...but when more is shown...no thanks! Even though I am a woman, this disturbed me. Besides, the models obviously had makeup, fake tans, etc. and didn't look natural despite their glossy wet hair and drops of water on their face.
Apart from the photographs, this book is a great cookbook and beauty help.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

World-renowned beauty and make-up expert Wendy Rowe knows skin inside out. In this refreshing beauty book, Wendy will teach you how to keep your skin healthy and let your inner and outer beauty shine.

Wendy has devised over 70 easy and delicious recipes specifically designed to feed your skin with the nutrients it needs to glow. Each of the recipes correlates to an essential skin-feeding ingredient that will help target specific skin problems and common complaints. From cucumbers, ‘the internal cleanser’, to limes, ‘the natural astringent’ and carrots, ‘the immunity booster’, there are also breakdowns of the vitamins and nutrients each of these familiar ingredients provide.

And not only will there be methods for feeding your skin, there will also be suggestions on how to keep your skin pampered with recipes for homemade masks, scrubs, mists, cleansers and toners, as well as an informative troubleshooting section for confidence-zapping skin problems. Wendy provides specific advice for foods to embrace or avoid depending on your skin.

Split into the four seasons, this stunning book can be dipped in and out of, or followed like a seasonal plan, and will ensure that you achieve beautiful, radiant skin all year round.  

A review of the cookbook Nourishing Meals by Alissa Segersten, Tom Malterre

Nourishing Meals: 365 Whole Foods, Allergy-Free Recipes for Healing Your Family One Meal at a Time

by Alissa Segersten, Tom Malterre

This is a large cookbook packed with 365 recipes which will delight and satisfy your entire family! The amazing thing about this cookbook is that the meals and dishes and even desserts presented within are healthy. Each recipe avoids gluten, dairy and soy causing them to be perfect for even the limited eater. I recommend this cookbook especially for families looking for such healthy recipes. The fact that there are 365 recipes in this book will delight those who are responsible for the cooking in their household!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

From two popular bloggers and leaders in the functional medicine movement, here s the ultimate guide to eating healthfully as a family a simple, practical cookbook that shows how easy it is to ditch processed foods one meal at a time with 365 delicious, whole food-based, allergen-free recipes that the entire family will love.
It can be daunting to live a whole foods lifestyle in today s busy world even more so to prepare plant-rich, allergen-free meals that ll get the whole family around the table. Popular blogger Ali Segersten and functional medicine expert Tom Malttere are a team devoted to teaching their children and readers the importance of living a whole foods lifestyle. Nourishing Meals makes it easy and fun with dishes that burst with flavor, such as their Cherry Pecan Salad, Butternut Squash and Pinto Bean Enchiladas, Chipotle-Lime Roasted Chicken, and Banana Coconut Cream Pie.
Every recipe in the book is free of the most common allergens: gluten, soy, eggs, and dairy, as well as refined sugar. And these dishes are designed to appeal to everyone, including vegan, vegetarian, seafood, and meat-eaters. In addition to wonderful food, Ali and Tom offer easy, doable steps to help you change your family's health, tips for making the transition easier, and ways to get the kids excited about wholesome foods. They map out the best foods and recipes for every stage of having a family, from pre-conception and pregnancy through each year of a child's life. And they explain in accessible terms what makes their recipes so effective for achieving optimal health. Originally self-published with an avid following, this edition will feature more than 30 new recipes, and many of the original recipes have been updated. This new edition will also include 100 beautiful all-new food photos featured in two inserts.
With an easy, tasty recipe for every day of the year, it s never been simpler to adopt a healthy, whole foods lifestyle!" 

Cuba!: Recipes and Stories from the Cuban Kitchen by Dan Goldberg, Andrea Kuhn, Jody Eddy

Cuba!: Recipes and Stories from the Cuban Kitchen

by Dan Goldberg, Andrea Kuhn, Jody Eddy

Yet another beautiful cookbook from this high-quality publisher! I am a great fan of international cuisine; cuban food has such an interesting fresh style which matches its tropical location. This book is a coffee-table worthy book because of all the beautiful photographs. I loved how the photos included many of the natives of this wonderful land. This book will make a special gift for anyone. 

Packed with 75 approachable and delectable recipes for classic Cuban dishes; essays on Cuba's culture, history, and politics, and hundreds of breathtaking photos,  ¡Cuba! offers readers a unique opportunity to dive into the food and culture of this vibrant country.

As the borders of Cuba continue to relax, more and more tourists are flooding in and finding a country rich in history and steeped in tradition. Award-winning photographer Dan Goldberg has been visiting and photographing Cuba for almost a decade. Fascinated by its people, their kitchens, and the endlessly delicious food they create, Dan has managed to capture passion and vibrancy of this incredible country. Along with his co-authors, food writer Jody Eddy and stylist Andrea Kuhn, Dan brings the best of Cuban food to home kitchens with over 75 meticulously tested recipes. ¡Cuba! will set taste buds on fire and open eyes to a culture that has remained resilient and festive across generations. From Cuban-Style Fried Chicken and Tostones Stuffed with Lobster and Conch, to Squid-ink Empanadas and Mojito Cake with Rum-Infused Whipped Cream and Lime Zest, this book offers a unique opportunity to bring a little slice of Cuba home. 

Gluten-Free for Good: Simple, Wholesome Recipes Made from Scratch by Samantha Seneviratne

Gluten-Free for Good: Simple, Wholesome Recipes Made from Scratch by Samantha Seneviratne

No meal should be defined by what's not there. Gluten-Free for Good has 100 easy, healthful gluten-free recipes that are so delicious you’ll never miss the gluten.

I find this cookbook quite interesting as I must agree that gluten can cause a lot of problems and should be avoided if possible. I enjoy trying to cook desserts which are gluten-free, not to mention a variety of main dishes and sides which are vegetable and meat-based rather than wheat-based. One thing I dislike about this cookbook is that it includes mostly savoury recipes which are obviously gluten-free. I would prefer a gluten-free cookbook devoted to bready and desserty recipes. Also, gluten-free doesn't mean sugar-free; something which many of you know and may not even mind. 
The photographs in this new cookbook are beautiful and refreshing. The recipes look delicious. What a healthy addition to your kitchen library!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Here are dishes you may have thought you'd never enjoy again—not without resorting to expensive packaged gluten-free foods that aren't as delicious or healthful as the real thing. These quick-cooking meals are for any time of day, all made from scratch without hard-to-digest processed additives like xanthan or guar gum. Recipes include:

Miso Shrimp with Snap Peas
Roast Chicken with Whole-Grain Sausage Stuffing
Leek and Carrot Brown Rice Risotto
White Pizza with Blistered Tomatoes
Spanish Tortilla
Parmesan Cheese Crackers
Loaded Oat Bars
Upside-Down Skillet Plum Cake
Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting 
Blondie Bars
 
The best way to eat more of what you love is to cook real foods at home. With inspiring photographs and a simple pantry primer, Gluten-Free for Good shows how cooking gluten-free can be seamless, instinctive, and appealing.

Pure Delicious cookbook by Heather Christo

Pure Delicious: More Than 150 Delectable Allergen-Free Recipes Without Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Shellfish, or Cane Sugar

by Heather Christo

As a chef, former caterer, and much-loved food blogger, Heather Christo’s life revolves around food, so when she and her daughters were diagnosed with severe food allergies, she thought her life—and career—were over. With ingredients like gluten, dairy, nuts, and even cane sugar and black pepper permanently off the menu, Heather had to teach herself to cook all over again. Much to her surprise, however, she discovered that taking control of her family’s diet and wellness led to a new sense of empowerment, bringing her family closer together than ever before while permanently banishing the ill health that had been their “normal” for years.

This beautiful hardcover cookbook was a delight to review. The recipes are extremely appealing. There is now an abundance of health-focused cookbooks out there and some are not so inviting. Pure Delicious is full of delicious-looking recipes accented by true-to-life photos of the finished products. This cookbook highlights recipes which are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, tree and peanut-free. Gluten-free eaters will be overjoyed with this book. I personally don't avoid dairy but find this book very helpful. Besides- dairy and eggs are easy to substitute back into recipes if desired! One thing that disappointed me about this book was the inclusion of beet sugar instead of organic cane sugar. I am not certain why the author uses beet sugar as that is less healthy than cane sugar. She also doesn't use honey or stevia, something which I find disappointing but fixable as I attempt the sweet recipes in my own kitchen. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Review of The Wurst of Lucky Peach cookbook

The Wurst of Lucky Peach: A Treasury of Encased Meat

by Chris Ying

I love the size  and practicality of this new cookbook! It will become a favourite amongst meat-loving cooks. I am so excited about all the various recipes within the pages of The Wurst of the Lucky Peach. This cookbook gives detailed instructions on making your own sausages of all types! This really is all you need to start providing your family and yourself with delicious homemade brats, sausages, chorizo, cevapi etc! I found this book informative yet easy to understand. The photos are, as always, excellent as well.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

The best in wurst from around the world, with enough sausage-themed stories and pictures stuffed between these two covers to turn anyone into a forcemeat aficionado.

Lucky Peach presents a cookbook as a scrapbook, stuffed with curious local specialties, like cevapi, a caseless sausage that’s traveled all the way from the Balkans to underneath the M tracks in Ridgewood, Queens; a look into the great sausage trails of the world, from Bavaria to Texas Hill Country and beyond; and the ins and outs of making your own sausages, including fresh chorizo.

Plated: Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Feasts, and Everything in Between by Elana Karp, Suzanne Lehrer

Plated: Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Feasts, and Everything in Between

by Elana Karp, Suzanne Lehrer

I thought this company'sidea marvelous and unique. The recipes in this book are nice and will please the healthy eater and cook. However, there were too few of each kind for my preference. There were also too few dessert recipes, considering that they looked the best out of all the recipes in this new cookbook!

The more than 125 inventive, repertoire-building recipes inPlated will help you cook and eat food you love without having to think so hard about it. Every dish here will work no matter how much (or little) time you have to cook, whether it’s quick dinner on a Monday for two or a backyard barbecue for a crowd.  The recipes are all rooted in a core technique—think One-Pan Roasted Chicken, Slow-Simmered Turkey Chili, or Cheesy Baked Penne—but can also be customized according to peak produce and just what you’re in the mood for. Step-by-step prep instructions and menu ideas take the stress out of cooking, so you know exactly what to do and when. Here, too, are ways for you to stretch these recipes, like basic marinades and spice rubs that can be used on almost anything, reinventions for leftovers, big-batch make-aheads, company-worthy feasts, and perfect sides. Plated is sure to become a well-loved, sauce-splattered staple in your kitchen.

The Basque Book: A Love Letter in Recipes from the Kitchen of Txikito by Alexandra Raij, Eder Montero, Rebecca Flint Marx

The Basque Book: A Love Letter in Recipes from the Kitchen of Txikito

by Alexandra Raij, Eder Montero, Rebecca Flint Marx

This large cookbook captures the unique beauty of the Basque region. I think this is the first cookbook I've ever seen focusing on this area between France and Spain. The cooking is unique and anyone will be delighted to learn of it from the expert chefs themselves- Alexandra Raiij and Eder Montero! Interestingly, this book combines the timeless tradition of the Basque area with award-winning recipes from the authors' New York-based restaurant! This combination is sure to amaze and please every cook and diner. 

Personally, although I thought this book beautiful and exciting, I will not be using this cookbook very much because there are too many seafood recipes. Since I do not live near a reliable and fresh source for seafood, I rarely indulge in such meals. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A collection of 100 Basque recipes from Alex Raij and Eder Montero, the acclaimed chef-owners of New York City restaurants Txikito, La Vara, and El Quinto Pino.

Few cuisines have captured more diners' imaginations, or inspired more chefs and restaurants around the world than that of Spain. And within the Spanish culinary pantheon, Basque cooking from the north is considered one of the country's most fascinating and essential traditions. In Basque, star chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero take readers on a tour of the Basque countryside, in the process revealing the iconic ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional dishes that define Basque cooking. They also share dishes from their award-winning New York restaurants, all inspired by the Basque kitchen but featuring elegant preparations and delightfully unexpected flavor combinations. The result is a complete primer on Basque cooking, with a wide array of recipes, ranging from a simple pil pil or refrito to showstopping pintxos and mains.

Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings

Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings

by Leela Cyd

    As someone who not only loves cooking and creating but also delights in hosting informal and more elabourate meals and gatherings, this book really grabbed my attention.

It always helps when the cover of a book, especially a cookbook, is appealing and Food With Friends has a delightful cover! The quality of photography continues throughout the book, making this cookbook yet another from the publisher worthy of an honoured place on a coffee table. That is, if it's not constantly in use in your kitchen! You are sure to be delighted by all the treats and tasty nibbles in this book. This book will provide everything you need for a lovely spring or summer tea or picnic as well as fall and winter gatherings. One thing I loved about this book is how the author and creator of the recipes took basic picnic/ party fare and made it unique. For example, French toast with lavender syrup or purple cauliflower hummus! Of course, these are just a couple of the many amazing recipes in this medium-sized cookbook. This is a must for the hostess; it would also make a splendid gift for a friend!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Small bites and treats to share

The best gatherings are simple, yet somehow special. They might begin with an impromptu picnic after shopping at the farmer’s market or a late lunch with neighbors that stretches into cocktails under the stars. Whatever the occasion, this picture-perfect cookbook shows how to turn any meal into a delectable affair. These effortless recipes for brunch, teatime, happy hours, picnics, potlucks, and dessert all include a whimsical twist: a few slices of French toast doused in lavender syrup, rainbow chard empanadas served with pistachio crema, or a vibrant purple cauliflower hummus. With tips on creating an inviting table, stocking a pantry to make last-minute nibbles, and packing delicious parting gifts for guests, Food with Friends will inspire any get-together, however large or small.  

Review of Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast by Helene Henderson, Martin Lof (Photographs)

Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast

by Helene Henderson, Martin Lof (Photographs)

This is a large, beautiful cookbook from a farm on the sunny coast of California. All 304 pages are filled with tempting recipes and beautiful photographs. As I looked through this cookbook, I found myself not only fascinated by the recipes and menu options but also drawn into the life and passions of the author and creator of the delicious recipes. The photographs are interesting and include not only views of the meals one can create using this book but also candids and portraits of the author and her farm. This entire cookbook really presents the feel of the surrounding area near the California coast where Malibu farm is located. I highly recommend this new book for anyone who loves California or the sunny splendor of the coast. The recipes are for the most part extremely healthy as well as seeming quite delicious! I can't wait to add this book to my collection of favourite cookbooks! Parsnip and potato Latkes, Ricotta and pea frittata, butterfly beef tenderloin, grilled (yes! you read that right!) chocolate cake with caramel sauce and many other amazing recipes fill this book. Disclaimer: at least the dessert recipes do include brown sugar and sugar and canola oil in the ingredients. However, the author likewise includes coconut milk, kefir and other good foods. Hopefully we healthier people can keep the good stuff and substitute better ingredients for the sugar and canola oil as needed! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks! 

Situated at the end of the pier, Malibu Farm is a restaurant beloved for its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, the freshly sourced ingredients on its ever-changing menu, and its warm vibe. Chef-owner Helene Henderson opened the space after the once-intimate dinners she hosted on the grounds of her home grew too large. Now, in Malibu Farm Cookbook, she invites you celebrate the coast and mountains of Southern California with dishes like Ricotta and Pea Frittata, Butterfly Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish, Seared Fava Beans, and Grilled Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce. Helene captures the spirit of her own farm with recipes using the morning’s fresh eggs, the catch of the day, the luscious vegetables that grow all around, honey harvested steps from where it’s enjoyed, and olive oil straight from her grove.  Punctuated with luscious, vibrant photography,Malibu Farm Cookbook is a stunning sensory experience that transports you right to the edge of the Pacific.

Cookbook review- Home Cooked: Essential Recipes for a New Way to Cookby Anya Fernald

Home Cooked: Essential Recipes for a New Way to Cook

by Anya Fernald, Jessica Battilana

I got this cookbook because I loved the cover! For one thing, I thought it looked perfect to add to a wedding gift basket! As I looked inside the book I was a little surprised by the style of recipes offered. They are more hearty and ''earthy'' than I expected. They are not as American as I expected from the vintage-style cover. After realizing that the author of this cookbook resides in California I understood better the style of cuisine. I would call it a mixture of Californian and Italian, actually. I was not a fan of all the recipes; there were too many charred vegetables and unusual meats and seafood. However, this style of cookbook is sure to please a variety of cooks! The recipes are certainly very healthy-looking. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A recipe collection and how-to guide for preparing base ingredients that can be used to make simple, weeknight meals, while also teaching skills like building and cooking over a fire, and preserving meat and produce, written by a sustainable food expert and founder of Belcampo Meat Co.

Anya Fernald’s approach to cooking is anything but timid; rich sauces, meaty ragus, perfectly charred vegetables. And her execution is unfussy, with the singular goal of making delicious, exuberantly flavored, unpretentious food with the best ingredients. Inspired by the humble traditions of cucina povera, the frugal cooking of Italian peasants, Anya brings a forgotten pragmatism to home cooking; making use of seasonal bounty by canning and preserving fruits and vegetables, salt curing fish, simmering flavorful broths with leftover bones, and transforming tough cuts of meat into supple stews and sauces with long cooking. These building blocks become the basis for a kitchen repertoire that is inspired, thrifty, environmentally sound, and most importantly, bursting with flavor. Recipes like Red Pepper and Walnut Crema, Green Tomato and Caper Salad, Chickpea Torte, Cracked Crab 
with Lemon-Chile Vinaigrette, Veal Meatballs, Anise-Seed Breakfast Cookies, and Ligurian Sangria will add dimension and excitement to both weeknight meals and parties. 

We all want to be better, more intuitive, more relaxed cooks—not just for the occasional dinner party, but every day. Punctuated by essays on the author’s approach to entertaining, cooking with cast-iron, and a primer on buying and cooking steak, Home Cooked is an antidote to the chef and restaurant books that leave you no roadmap for tonight’s dinner. WithHome Cooked, Anya gives you the confidence, and the recipes, to love cooking again.

Cookbook review: Sweeter off the Vine: Fruit Desserts for Every Season by Yossy Arefi

Sweeter off the Vine: Fruit Desserts for Every Season

by Yossy Arefi

I knew I would love this book as soon as I held it in my hands. It always amazes me just how many cookbooks I can fall in love with and add to my collection; I own so many yet every new beautiful one is welcomed into my library! This cookbook is not only lovely, it looks very useful and practical as well. With this cookbook, you can prepare and amaze loved ones with pies, cakes, tarts, ice cream, preserves and more! The delectable creations within the pages of this newly published book include raspberry pink peppercorn sorbet, blood orange donuts, and tangerine cream pie!
I especially loved how the author used her Iranian heritage and its wonderful array of flavours and spices to add to and perfect these dishes. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind cookbook which will please a variety of cooks and non-cooks alike!

And as a final note, although I would love to keep it I have actually made the sacrificial decision to give it as a wedding gift this spring! I know it will look beautiful in a basket of baking supplies! 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Love this new cookbook! The Indian Family Kitchen: Classic Dishes for a New Generation

The Indian Family Kitchen: Classic Dishes for a New Generation by Anjali Pathak

I cannot even count how many Indian recipe books I have collected over the years but I can assure you it is over 10. I love to cook and Indian cuisine has long held my admiration interest! Not only is the food typically delicious and full of distinct flavours, it is also healthy!

I was excited to read this new cookbook from one of my favourite cookbook publishers! And I was not disappointed! From the unusually beautiful cover to the finish, this cookbook awed and inspired me! The pictures are absolutely stunning and the recipes are amazingly delicious! Even though I have so many other Indian cookbooks, this one will become a favourite! The recipes implement all the favourite traditional flavours and foods but with just enough update that each recipe is unique and worth trying!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Super Foods Every Day by Sue Quinn cookbook review

Super Foods Every Day: Recipes Using Kale, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, Cacao, and Other Ingredients that Promote Whole-Body Health

by Sue Quinn

  This is a small, concise and easy to understand cookbook from one of my favourite publishers! When I first glimpsed this book I was surprised by its smaller size as most of this publisher's cookbooks are large and hardcover! However, it wasn't long at all before I realized that the smaller size of this paperback cookbook is incredibly useful for every day use! Also, it has a unique format which will delight and inspire cooks of all ages and expertise! The method in which the recipes are laid out would be fun for children as well. Each recipe features a colour photo of the ingredients for the recipe followed by a colour photograph of the finished product! The recipes are easy to understand and there isn't much text to confuse new cooks! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

A collection of more than 60 dishes that showcase super foods--ingredients from kale and seaweed to cocoa and avocado that are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients.
     Featuring straightforward delicious dishes, this easy-to-follow guide contains recipes like Wonder Smoothie, Vitaboost Frittata, Supercharged Carrots, Cauliflower Risotto, and Plum and Cranberry Crisp that showcase sensational super foods in every meal of the day. These recipes are designed to pack the maximize number of super foods into ones diet, using approachable, nutrient-dense ingredients. This collection of delicious sweet and savory dishes makes it easy to pack every meal with nutritional punch.

A review of The Whole Coconut Cookbook by Nathalie Fraise

The Whole Coconut Cookbook: Vibrant Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Recipes Featuring Nature's Most Versatile Ingredient

by Nathalie Fraise

How excited I was to see a cookbook from one of my favourite publishers, featuring one of my favourite foods! Coconut is rightly known as a superfood! It is packed with nutrients and can help with a variety of health issues. I know personally it will help counteract my fungal allergies as well as my tooth problems. Unlike all nuts, seeds, legumes and grains, coconuts do not contain phytic acid which is what causes mineral deficiences and in the end, tooth and bone decay! Needless to say, I love coconuts and wish I lived in the tropics in order to have better access to them! 

 This little cookbook would make the perfect addition to your library or collection. It would also be perfect in a gift basket for a wedding or shower! It is the perfect size for giving as a gift. It is also beautiful to look at and would make a sweet coffee table book. However, I can assume that it will mostly take precedence in the kitchen where you will be using it daily! Featured in this cookbook are all types of recipes, from soups and curries to desserts and snacks! You will not be disappointed. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

More about the book below:

This beautiful and inspiring recipe collection helps you incorporate nature’s perfect superfood—the coconut—into your everyday cooking. From tangy coconut yogurt for breakfast to creamy coconut curry for dinner, The Whole Coconut Cookbook showcases infinite ways to enjoy this nutrition-packed fruit.    

With all of their creamy goodness and adaptability, coconuts are an indispensable ingredient in many recipes, from smoothies and curries to cakes and salads. Moreover, they are an incredible superfood, providing essential nutrients and healthy fats in recipes that are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. In The Whole Coconut Cookbook, this amazing fruit is celebrated in all its glory, from the familiar coconut water, coconut oil, and sugar, to creamy coconut milk and coconut aminos. These ingredients shine in delicious recipes like Coconut, Ginger, and Cilantro Mussels; Coconut Sesame Noodles with Baby Bok Choy and Tamarind Dressing; Spicy Coconut Chips; and Coconut Orange Cookies. With a primer on the different parts of the fruit and a guide for using fresh coconuts at home, this beautiful book is perfect for anyone looking to incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into their every day home cooking.

A review of 2015 cookbook Brodo: A Bone Broth Cookbook by Marco Canora

Brodo: A Bone Broth Cookbook

by Marco Canora

This new cookbook is a must-have for every household! It features basic recipes for every kind of bone broth you need to make! With this delightful book, you will no longer have to look broth recipes and methods online and scroll through dozens of ''the best'' ways to make it. Also, you won't have to flip through dozens of your cookbooks to find these recipes. All the recipes are in one concise volume. This book which is published by Pam Krauss books through Crown Publishing, is really pleasing to the eye as well and will make the perfect statement in your kitchen or on your coffee table! I never would have imagined myself saying that about a bone broth cookbook. But here you have it: this book is a must-have. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thanks!

No one has been more responsible for the recent explosion of interest in bone than New York City chef Marco Canora.  After completely revitalizing his health by integrating bone broth into his diet, Marco began to make his nourishing broths available by the cupful to New Yorkers from a small window in his East Village restaurant, drawing sell-out crowds virtually from the beginning. No longer just a building block for soups and sauces, bone broths are now being embraced for their innumerable health benefits, from cultivating a healthier gut to greater resistance to colds and other illnesses.  In Brodo, Marco shares the recipes for his flavorful, nutritious broths and shows how to serve them year round as well as incorporate them into recipes and as a daily health practice.  Perfect for stirring into a broth bowl or a pot of risotto, as a more gentle, supportive alternative to the afternoon caffeine fix, and an immunity and health booster any time, the homey bone broths in Brodo should be a part of every well-stocked pantry.

Cookbook review: Happy Cooking: Giada De Laurentiis

Happy Cooking: Giada's Recipes and Tips for Making Every Meal Count...Without Stressing You Out

by Giada De Laurentiis

  As an avid cook, you can imagine my excitement every time I discover a newly-published cookbook! This is actually my first from well-known cook and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis! Having heard much about her personality and recipes, I was greatly looking forward to reading this book. 

   Happy Cooking is all that you expect: it is full of delicious recipes, fabulous photos and, best of all....it makes you feel relaxed and happy about cooking! I know I certainly need a stress-relieving cookbook. Although I do love cooking, it as well as everything else in life tends to stress me out at times. Giada puts the happy back into cooking with this pleasant book! 

    Fans of Giada will be delighted with her presence in this cookbook; there are many pictures of her and her quotes accompany most of her recipes. The photographs of the foods themselves are not always as amazing as other recently published cookbooks I have read and reviewed, but they are still bright and enjoyable. Just not as coffee-table worthy as other cookbooks I own. 

   Personally, I won't be cooking a ton of recipes from this book because of the large amount of (no surprise) pasta meals. I don't eat a lot of pasta yet I was aware of the fact that this is an Italian-based cookbook when I ordered it so I am not complaining! On a good note, this book also has a ton of vegetable and salad recipes and the dessert section is surprisingly small! Overall, I assure you that this book is full of delicious recipes. What especially struck me is that the recipes in this cookbook are not only basic and easy enough for most amateur cooks to master, they will taste complex enough to delight the detailed chef! This cookbook could just become your new all-round favorite!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

More about the book...

    Giada De Laurentiis, one of the most recognizable faces on the Food Network lineup, invites readers to get to know her as never before. The celebrity chef is back with nearly 200 new recipes and helpful advice on everything from hosting a potluck or open house to what to pack along for lunch every day. Drawing on the time-saving tips and healthy eating strategies that keep her functioning at the highest possible level in her roles as working mom, restaurateur, and tv personality, she has assembled a year-round roadmap to vibrant good health and delicious eating. Readers will be inspired to try new ingredients, new wellness practices, and create a wholesome balance between peak nutrition - and the occasional decadent indulgence. Featuring her New Year's cleanse, homemade Christmas gifts, and ideas for every holiday, special occasion, and casual weekend in between, this is Giada’s 365-approach to cooking up a happy life.